Psalm 51 and Ash Wednesday

One of the standard texts for church communities that observe Ash Wednesday is Psalm 51. By tradition it was attributed to David and was cast as his expressions of penitence after his sin with Bathsheba. Like other penitential psalms (e.g., Pss 6, 32, 38, 102, 130, and 143), It is a powerful plea for mercy and forgiveness that can speak for all of us. Here are a few of my favorite verses from Ps 51:

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:

    according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity,

    and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions:

    and my sin is ever before me.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:

    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me to hear joy and gladness;

    that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Hide thy face from my sins,

    and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God;

    and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence;

    and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

    and uphold me with thy free spirit.

O Lord, open thou my lips;

    and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:

    thou delightest not in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:

    a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

    (vv. 1‒3, 7‒12, 15‒17)

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